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Book Review & Giveaway: “Mommy, Mama, and Me” and “Daddy, Papa, and Me”

March 18, 2011 by Sarah

 

Please note: while comments on this post continue to be welcome, the giveaway is now over.

Leslea Newman published Heather Has Two Mommies in 1989, at a time when there were hardly any books showing family diversity. The book raised hackles and inspired attacks on Leslea by social conservatives and the religious right; Heather has been on the banned book list every year since its publication.

Heather sent the message to kids who were different (because they had two moms, step parents, adopted siblings, or a single parent) that their lives were just as normal as kids in traditional families. “The most important thing about a family,” Leslea told us in Heather, “is that all the people in it love each other.”

Leslea has never stopped writing (she has written 60 books to date), and her latest books, Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me, are a testament to her commitment to helping kids in gay and lesbian families feel just like regular kids. These sweet, simple board books depict a day-in-the-life of a well-loved child, a child like any other, who loves juice and snuggles and playtime and getting tucked in at night by their loving parents.

Through these books, kids with two moms or two dads can see their lives reflected. Kids who are different in any number of ways can see that their differences are not only okay, but something to be celebrated. These books aren’t only for two-mom or two-dad families. They are for all of us, so that we can see—and teach our children to see—that there are lots of ways to be a family. And that means that these books belong in your preschool, in the collection of books you give at baby showers, in your neighborhood library, in your doctor’s office waiting room. Because everyone should be reading these books.

Leslea has generously offered two sets of each book to two of my readers. That means if you win this giveaway, you’ll get both books for your own enjoyment, your preschool, your local library, or your friends or family. Not only that, but they’re autographed by Leslea, which only increases the awesomeness. Please comment below for a chance to win a set of these adorable books (and either leave your email address or friend me on facebook so I can find you if you win).

 

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Filed Under: Reviews, Sarah Hoffman's Blog Tagged With: "gender variant" "gender nonconforming" "gender spectrum" "parenting", "giveaway", "Leslea Newman" "LGBT", "sarah hoffman", gender nonconforming, pink boys

Testimonials

“Working with Sarah and Ian Hoffman was a blessing. They were organized and collaborative in every detail. Once they began sharing, the crowd was rapt with curiosity and empathy. With warmth, humor, and disarming honesty they invited us to explore gender diversity and inclusion in ways that rang with authenticity, hope, and practicality. People left feeling both challenged and resolute for the work ahead—with new language for addressing complex topics and renewed joy. If you are considering inviting Sarah and Ian, expect a generous partnership and a revelatory Q&A.”

—Rev. Victor H. Floyd
Calvary Presbyterian Church

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—Anjali Ramisetti
First Grade Teacher
Katherine Delmar Burke School

“Sarah and Ian were so thoughtful in providing just-right content for our kindergarteners all the way up to our older students. Their loving and honest stories, easy back-and-forth with one another, and humorous delivery of a delicate topic made this sensitive, yet oh-so-critical topic digestible and relatable. This is a conversation that I hope students, teachers, and parents will continue to have with more ease thanks to the Hoffmans. I’m so grateful to them for sharing their gift of their family’s journey, and their beautiful storytelling, with our entire school community.”

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School Social Worker
George Peabody School

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Faculty, Sociology, Psychology, and Behavioral Science, College of Marin

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—Joel Baum
Gender Spectrum Education and Training

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—Tracy Burt
Faculty, Child Development and Family Studies Department, City College of San Francisco

Buy the Books

Jacob's Missing Book

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Jacob's School Play: Starring He, She & They!

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Jacob's Room to Choose

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Jacob's New Dress

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